“I know it is a sacrifice and an effort, which only God can bless.” — Kim Simpson, General Conference commission chair, addressing delegates.
NEWS AND FEATURES
What to know about General Conference plans
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — A two-day online orientation gave delegates and other observers a preview of what to expect at The United Methodist Church’s top policymaking assembly. This first of two United Methodist News stories on the orientation looks at the international General Conference’s logistics and order of business. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story
Watch livestream
Coming up: A preview of General Conference legislation
Mississippi Conference
Church uses grant to preserve Black history
JACKSON, Miss. — The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund awarded grants to 31 historic Black churches, including Central United Methodist Church. Founded in 1890, Central has been a community staple for religious, social and civic movements. The church plans to use its $200,000 grant for repairs so the ministry can continue. Jasmine Haynes has the story.
Read story
California-Pacific Conference, CBS News-KCAL
Retired pastor accused of anti-Semitism
WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — The California-Pacific Conference has commented on an incident involving one of its retired clergy. A Jewish woman has accused the Rev. Mark Nakagawa, her neighbor, of drawing a swastika on her groceries and says her doorbell camera captured the incident. In a statement, the conference said it “does not condone any form of hate or discrimination.” When KCAL asked Nakagawa about the incident, he didn't deny writing the symbol. Instead, he said he was trying to educate the woman about its history as a Buddhist symbol of love. Nakagawa is in a supervisory process regarding this incident, the conference statement said.
Read statement
Read CBS News story
Upper New York Conference
Mardi Gras event welcomes families
SKANEATELES, N.Y. — To celebrate Shrove Tuesday, the eve of Lent, Skaneateles United Methodist Church invited the community to an ice cream social and mask decorating contest. “We’re hoping to have the dual purpose of teaching young people about Lent and how much God loves them, but also that you can walk into the walls of a church and have the best night of the week,” said Justin Hood, church pastor. The Upper New York Conference produced a video of the event.
Watch video
The Washington Post
‘Improv church’ draws newcomers
DUNN LORING, Va. — Since February last year, the United Methodist congregation of Vine Church has hosted “improv church” as a way to get new members through the doors. The event, on the last Saturday of every month, brings in professional actors to do improvisational comedy based on the evening’s sermon. Marisa Iati reports that so far, improv church has been successful at attracting new people to Vine.
Read story
South Carolina Conference
Advocate affirms United Methodist ties
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Amid church disaffiliations in South Carolina, the board of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate affirmed its core relationship with The United Methodist Church. Founded in 1836, the award-winning Advocate is the oldest newspaper in Methodism still in operation. The Advocate reports.
Read story
COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.
Lewis Center for Church Leadership
8 strategies for churches to reach Gen Z
WASHINGTON — How can congregations build meaningful connections with young adults? Brandi Nicole Williams, director for the African American Church Evangelism Institute, offers eight practical strategies for bridging the generational gap and fostering relationships with Gen Z, people born between 1997 and 2012, to build a more relevant church community.
Read commentary
RECENT HEADLINES
New discipleship program kicks off in Philippines
Fresh Expressions movement offers hope
EVENTS
Sunday, March 10
UMCOR Sunday
Monday, March 11-Saturday, March 23
Online course: Who Is the Holy Spirit?
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.